LATROBE, Pa (93.7 The Fan) - Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton walked onto Saint Vincent’s campus for Steelers training camp unable to participate in the coming practices. About five minutes later, he made sure that would not be the case.
Hilton, searching for a long-term contract from Pittsburgh, signed his exclusive-right free agent tender upon his arrival in Latrobe, meaning that he will play this season on a one-year contract.
“I wanted to show the team I’m here, so I did that by showing up and signing,” said Hilton, who enter his third season in Pittsburgh.
Hilton said that his agent and the Steelers have had talks about a long-term deal, but he could not elaborate on the details.
“(A long-term deal) shows I want to be here,” he said. “This is the team that really gave me a true shot since going undrafted. I feel like, with my last two years, I’ve been producing well, so I just want to be around and keep playing.”
“It’ll take care of itself in the long run, but I’m focused on being here and helping this team win.”
“I’m trying not to worry about it, but I’m optimistic. We’re working on it.”
While Hilton had some ups-and-downs last year, he has been a strong contributor to Pittsburgh’s defense. And Haden knows it.
“Mike’s a really, really talented dude. He brings a lot of grit to the team. We have the same agent, so I know what he’s trying to get accomplished. He hasn’t missed and OTA, hasn’t missed a minicamp. Business is business, but Mike just wants to go out here and perform and show the Steelers what he can really do.”
Hear all of what Mike Hilton had to say below.